This bill would create the Office of Gun Violence Prevention inside the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy. The Attorney General would appoint a Director to lead the Office. The Director and an Advisory Council would coordinate DOJ programs and offices that deal with gun violence, review and recommend improvements to laws and programs, identify gaps in data, develop a data plan, set a research agenda, run public education and awareness efforts (including secure storage of firearms and suicide prevention), and help communities respond after shootings. The Office would also help coordinate the national instant criminal background check system and work with many Federal agencies. The Director must give Congress an annual report on gun violence, recommendations, and the Office’s work. The Advisory Council would include DOJ leaders, agency directors, and at least 12 additional members such as survivors, service providers, public health officials, medical and mental health professionals, state justice officials, teachers, student representatives, and veterans. The bill authorizes whatever sums are necessary to carry out the Office.
If enacted, the bill would create a new DOJ office whose work could affect how Federal gun-violence programs are run, how data on gun incidents are collected, and how the public is informed about safe storage and suicide prevention. The Office would also help communities after shootings and coordinate Federal efforts across many agencies. The bill does not change specific criminal penalties or create new criminal offenses in the text provided.
The bill authorizes “such sums as are necessary” to run the Office. No publicly available information on total expected costs, budget breakdowns, or appropriations timing is included in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.